Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech admits they let themselves down as title holders in this season's Champions League.

Despite the unprecedented nature of Chelsea's humiliation, goalkeeper Cech insisted the consolation of Europa League football meant there was more value to an exit before Christmas than one in February or March.

"If you go out in the last 16 or quarter-finals, or in the group stage, for me there is no difference," he said.

"Because you are out of the cup, you can't retain it, and last 16 or quarter-finals is not something people will remember.

"We will play the Europa League, so we are still in European competition and we can finish the year with a major trophy.

"So, let's focus on the league and then when the Europa League starts, we could play that already as Club World Cup champions."